I NEVER KNEW AUSTIN WAS CLOSER TO SAN ANTONIO THAN IT WAS TO DALLAS

This is now important because Anna is headed there to work--to Austin that is. Everyone keeps telling me it is like going to Ann Arbor or Madison or Cambridge--that people who live in Austin actually pretend they do not live in Texas. But they do allow you to carry your weapon in full view, they do have the worst health care in America, and they are in a race with Florida to see who can execute the most people in a year. But they now will also have my wonderful daughter who by her arrival there will improve the whole city and state immeasurably. Anna will be working at the Blanton Museum which I know nothing about but do know it is part of the University system. I have already directed her (and I am sure she will listen) not to become a fan of any sports team in that state--perhaps UTEP (the former Texas Western which was the first big time basketball program to put 5 African Americans on the court at the same time) would be ok but certainly not the Cowboys or Longhorns. But wise readers will know all of this rhetoric is but a subterfuge--Anna is getting a great job and has a great opportunity but I will miss her "east coast" presence and I am already looking up flights--turns out once a day Jet Blue flies non stop to Austin. Who knew. Jessica of course lived in Germany for many years and Austin is closer---but still. Our Rosh Hashanah celebrations were noticeable to me for both their absences. Enough--ride 'em cowgirl.

Speaking of Rick Perry--I am rooting for him especially after reading Doonesbury all week. Trudeau is really after him and this is after Trudeau spent a week going after Palin. Here is hoping he wins and says nationally that we should be a Christian nation. One of those other bright lights (either Sarah or Michelle) referred to the president (come on, no respect at all- so fucking personal it is almost ominous) as the anti christ whatever that is (though I can guess).

For the first time in a long time I am worried about Israel's isolation. New regimes in the Middle East, Israeli intransigence, instability in Syria, the break up with Turkey, and the erratic behavior of Iran--let alone Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah In Lebanon. I am very afraid someone (including the Israelis) might just do something and spark a big time war over there. Then I see Netanyahu on Charlie Rose--"I will go anywhere and negotiate anything" he says. Next day in the paper: Netanyahu approves settlements in Jerusalem. Very disheartened. Jon Stewart had a terrific piece about the Israelis and the Palestinians last week--hilarious but oh so scary.

Let's talk about something a bit lighter--casinos. Hah, some of you fanatic anti casino people were fooled. On a recent trip to Scranton, Barbara agreed that if you oppose casinos, you need to opposed the lottery. And she does oppose both--she is consistent and though I disagree I respect the consistency. Keno, the lottery, casinos--all part of one strand. But the 365 cities and towns in the state would go bankrupt without Keno and/or the lottery. Ahhh, you say--just raise taxes. To that, I say--read the papers. There will be no new taxes. Won't happen and unless you replace the revenue, the city/town where you live will be in big trouble. There would only be cuts and classroom sizes would likely double. So, aside from my own opinion about gambling, those who oppose casinos better have some thoughts about financing since it is fanciful to believe taxes will offset the losses.

SPORTS

I hate the Red Sox but even I did not foresee their total collapse. However, I did predict that Pedroia being on the SI cover would jinx him and I got that right. Ellsbury is the MVP of that team even if Pedroia is the leader. By the way, their pitching died--some due to injury and some due to bad pitchers (no offense, it is nice to love Wakefield but he is finished). John Lackey is in the race for the AJ Burnett I suck award. I might pull out a few of my remaining hairs if Burnett gets a start in any of the upcoming playoff games. Colon and Burnett should be bullpenned. And I was shocked to hear Francona fess up that he kind of lost control of the clubhouse--until then I thought he was being scapegoated by the likes of Shaughnessy; but that confession was startling. Finally, the big boys (Big Papi and the rest) totally choked.

Speaking of which we now know what happens when Mr. Brady has an off day--31 points becomes too few with a porous defense leaking both in the front four and in the secondary. Plus Ochocinco is not Randy Moss and one day Welker will get hurt again if they insist on having him run so many over the middle routes. This kid Mcfadden from Oakland could run up some big yards if they are not careful. But did you notice they are almost America's team--I think their next 7 games are either at night or at 4. Everyone gets to see them.

The Bruins are back this coming week--and if you haven't seen that pest Marchand, give it a shot.

One further thought: No "inside" section because really the whole first section is about that. Second further thought: I welcome an additional reader--enjoy, Frank.
Demand is high but I still have room for increased readership!! Get well, Charles and you better hope Phil Kessel learns to back check.

Sayonara.